After taking this course, you will be able to:
● Understand how to specify the proper thermal, flow, or rotary sensor for taking real-time process data.
● Implement thermal sensors into an embedded system in both hardware and software.
● Add the sensor and sensor interface into a microprocessor based development kit.
● Create hardware and firmware to process sensor signals and feed data to a microprocessor for further evaluation.
● Study sensor signal noise and apply proper hardware techniques to reduce it to acceptable levels.
You will need to buy the following components to do the two course projects based on the videos in this module. Note that if you have already purchased the PSOC 5LP PROTOTYPING KIT, you do not need to buy it again.
These parts may be purchased off the Digikey web site, www. Digikey.com. Or, you may obtain the specs from the site, and purchase them elsewhere.
These are the part numbers typed out, so you can copy and paste them into the Digikey web site. You will need one of each part.
428-3390-ND
NHD-0216BZ-RN-YBW-ND
570-1229-ND
A105970CT-ND

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Flexible deadlines

Intermediate Level

Approx. 14 hours to complete

Suggested: 4 weeks of study, 6-10 hours/week...

Available languages

English

Subtitles: English

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

1

Hours to complete

4 hours to complete

Thermal Sensors

In module 1 you will learn how to specify and use temperature sensors in an embedded circuit. First, you will learn about common types of sensors and actuators found in common products such as smart phones and automobiles. Then you will get a high-level overview of analog and digital interfaces, followed by a deep dive into thermistors, RTD’s, and thermocouples. For each of these three types of thermal sensors, we define the core theory and formulae, give you examples of how commercial sensors are packaged, and explain what you need to know to purchase them on a web site. ...

Sensor Development Kit and Prototyping

In module 2 you will learn how to design a complete temperature sensor system within a development kit environment. We will teach you how to assign internal components to the schematic. This includes pins, amplifiers, MUX’s, DAC’s, and ADC’s. Then you will learn how to wire in external parts: resistors, thermistors in particular, to the kit. Finally, you will take a deep dive into interfacing a thermistor and associated front end components to the development kit. This includes lessons on using the schematic portion of the kit, as well as writing application software in c code....

Rotary and Flow Sensors

In module 3 you will learn how rotary sensors work and how to specify them for purchase. In our videos rotary sensors include both optical encoders and resolvers. You will also learn the design intricacies of flow sensors, along with their appropriate applications. The videos will discuss variable area, differential pressure, vortex, ultrasonic, turbine, thermal mass flow, and coriolis flow meters. ...

Amplifiers and Sensor Noise

In module 4 you will learn the theory and practical application of amplifiers and circuit noise. You will review how gain is calculated in inverting, non-inverting, summing, differential, and instrumentation amplifiers. We will then contrast theoretical vs. real-world amplifier performance, and give examples of how commercial chips specs are interpreted. Then we will discuss the causes of noise in sensor circuits, how the noise affects sensor accuracy, and some steps you can take to reduce noise in your sensor circuit designs. ...

Instructors

About University of Colorado Boulder

CU-Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies....

About the Embedding Sensors and Motors Specialization

Embedding Sensors and Motors will introduce you to the design of sensors and motors, and to methods that integrate them into embedded systems used in consumer and industrial products. You will gain hands-on experience with the technologies by building systems that take sensor or motor inputs, and then filter and evaluate the resulting data. You will learn about hardware components and firmware algorithms needed to configure and run sensors and motors in embedded solutions....

Frequently Asked Questions

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When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.

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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.